Western Australian construction company Georgiou Group will start construction to replace the 62-year-old Mandurah traffic bridge this year.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder and Acting Regional Development Minister Mia Davies announced the contract for construction of the new bridge; to cost nearly $52 Million.

Mr. Nalder said the replacement bridge would address safety and traffic congestion issues for the increasing number of vehicles that use the bridge each day, by providing more capacity.

“The new structure will provide a central point of interest and an area for the Mandurah community to use for recreational activities, while accommodating the road users that move between residential, commercial and holiday pursuits.” Mr. Nalder said.

Mr. Nalder said improving traffic capacity with two traffic lanes in each direction and safety for pedestrians and cyclists with separate, wider facilities over the bridge were key features of the project.

“It is excellent that Georgiou’s proposal retains sections of the old bridge to build platforms beneath the new bridge, for use by the community for fishing, crabbing and prawning.” Mr. Nalder said.

Mr. Nalder said there were also economic benefits, with about 200 jobs created over the duration of the construction of the bridge.

Ms. Davies said the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program had added $8.8 Million to the project’s funds through the Growing Our South initiative.

“Regional area growth, through Royalties for Regions investment in necessary infrastructure, and better services ensures continued wealth generation for the State and the nation.” Ms. Davies said.

Acting WA Minister for Regional Development Mia Davies

The project involves decommissioning the existing bridge and building a new bridge to the north of the old bridge, with Main Roads Western Australia managing the contract in partnership with the City of Mandurah.

Georgiou Group will move through a detailed design development and construction management planning phase before starting work at the end of the first quarter of 2016. Construction will be complete in late 2017.

Fact File

Main Roads provided $40 Million, Royalties for Regions $8.8 Million and City of Mandurah $3 Million

Bridge features were developed through engagement with the Mandurah community during 2012-13

The traffic and pedestrian crossing would need to be closed for a short period toward the end of construction for the new bridge to be tied into the existing road network

All environmental approvals have been secured for the project

Survey found most of the local community favoured a replacement bridge